Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says that he appreciates the commitments made by Sri Lankan president and people, towards the Palestinian people.

He expressed this view at a meeting held with President Mahinda Rajapaksa at New York last evening.

During the meeting the Palestinian president has informed President Mahinda Rajapaksa about the latest situation in Gaza.

The two leaders have conducted a lengthy discussion about the challenges faced by the residents in the region.

The 1 million US dollars worth financial assistance provided by Sri Lanka to Palestine was officially handed over during this occasion.

Meanwhile issuing a special message President Mahinda Rajapaksa extended his warm wishes to Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, on his election as the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

In his message the president said that the new President’s long association with the process of stabilization of Afghanistan and commitment to the democratic ethos will no doubt be a tremendous asset for Afghanistan.

The President further said that Sri Lanka and Afghanistan share the warmest of relations and are bound by a common cultural heritage, strong traditional bonds of friendship and mutual goodwill.

President Rajapaksa said he expects to work closely with the new Afghan Leader for the enhancement of relations between the two nations.